Slug in Love by author Rachel Bright and illustrator Nadia Shireen

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

Publication Date: December 14, 2021

Doug, a slug, needs a hug. Which bug will honor Doug with a hug? In this rhyming picture book, readers and listeners meet different bugs who deny Doug a hug. They learn words associated with slugs like slimy. My Book Eyes likes the repetitive vocabulary for children learning to read. The ending is surprising. Illustrations are large and add humor to this book that can be read all year long.

My Dad Is A Grizzly Bear by author Swapna Haddow and illustrator Dapo Adeola

Age Range: 3 – 5 years
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Date: April 29, 2021

A youngster discusses why his dad is a grizzly bear which includes dad’s eating and napping habits, rough fur, love of long walks, climbing and camping which all seem to bother the child until someone else in the family tops dad! This is a funny story and one to read all year as different seasons are seen in illustration settings. Illustrations will keep readers laughing and feeling good about the relationship between a father and son in this picture book.

The Night Baafore the First Day of School by author Dawn Young and illustrator Pablo Pino

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: WorthyKids

Publication Date: June 22, 2021

Distressed on the night before the first day of school, a boy named Bo has difficulty getting a good night’s sleep. He decides to count sheep however his sheep have minds of their own. Instead of calm counting Bo sees 10 disorderly sheep wreak havoc around his house by interacting with things associated with school. This is a humorous rhyming picture book. The illustrations include many details that will have eyes lingering on pages.

Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover) by Helen Yoon

Reading Age: 3 – 7 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: January 12, 2021

A fox schemes to make a herd of sheep his meals. Cloaked in a sheep’s outfit, wolf is allowed to become part of the sheep’s daily routines which includes exercising, chores, reading and games. Readers will enjoy seeing wolf think about the many ways he will make sheep cuisine. Sheep’s ability to kill with kindness thwarts wolf’s plans and ends this picture book on a happy and surprising note. Fun to look at anthropomorphized animals in this story.

The Getaway (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 12) by author/illustrator Jeff Kinney

Reading Level: 8 – 12 years

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Publication Date: November 7, 2017

In this chapter book, a middle schooler named Greg Heffley is looking forward to an enjoyable Christmas at home however his parents desire to escape the busy holiday experiences so they book a trip to a tropical island for their family of five. What begins as a stress-free idea turns into a chain of stressful yet hilarious (for the reader) escapades throughout the book. My Book Eyes laughed at adults who sometimes think and act like children and children who sometimes think and act like adults. Anyone who has ever taken an airplane trip will definitely be able to relate to some of the events (flight delays, luggage mix ups, uncomfortable seats etc) encountered by the Heffleys. Once they reach their destination more adventures await this family. Illustrations and text are entertaining and provoke nonstop laughter.

Daddy On Duty by Arnelle Collins

Publisher: Acollinsbooks

Publication Date: June 15, 2020

A hardworking dad is briefly in charge…or is he? Mom left a list of tasks to complete but do they get done her way or at all? The daughter, Arnellia, a private school student, has alternative plans. Can Arnellia persuade dad to do things her way? A comical read with a message about parenting styles. Adults will also find humor and wisdom in this picture book. For children reading independently, My Book Eyes recommends it for readers to 10 years of age however it can be read to all ages. Illustrations are clear and colorful.

Pete the Cat’s Family Road Trip by Kimberly and James Dean

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: March 31, 2020

In this early reader, Pete’s family goes on a road trip across the United States. They visit New York, Georgia, Florida, Utah, California, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Washington and Wyoming. Occasional feline humor injected into illustrations and text will make readers chuckle. This book is a great way to introduce youngsters to historic sites within the United States while they learn to read. Also this title can ignite curiosity and a desire to further research places mentioned.

There is a Bird on Your Head!

There is a Bird on Your Head! by author / illustrator Mo Willems

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Publication Date: July 31, 2007

In this easy reader, a mommy bird, daddy bird and eventually three baby chicks use Gerald’s head as their home. While he is irate about this matter, it isn’t until his friend Piggie offers him a suggestion that Gerald asserts himself and gets his problem solved. Illustrations and text are hilarious and show a variety of moods for both characters.

Mo Willems plans to be at Children’s Day at the Brooklyn Book Festival on September 21, 2019. Click on EVENTS above for information about Brooklyn Book Festival.

Hats Are Not for Cats!

Hats Are Not for Cats! by author / illustrator Jacqueline K. Rayner

Age Range: 4 years – 7 years

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication Date: August 20, 2019

An obnoxious, loud mouth, hat wearing dog lets a cat know on numerous occasions that hats are not for cats as a quiet yet active cat parades by him wearing a myriad of hat styles. The cat doesn’t say anything as the dog verbally abuses her time and time again. Feline finds a way to retaliate which is surprising and humorous. Dog’s ego is reduced to a humble size. The ending of this book is satisfying for all. Rhyme and short phrases make this an excellent choice for beginning readers and for those wanting to read a humorous story. Illustrations focus on the relationship between the characters which adds to the appeal of this book.

Pig the Stinker

Pig the Stinker by author/illustrator Aaron Blabey

Age Range: 3-5 years

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: April 30, 2019

The pug with personality named Pig loves filth but hates taking a bath. His unsightly ways are irritating to those around him. After Pig causes a major catastrophe, will a bath for Pig be prevented? The characters’ facial expressions and Pig’s actions made My Book Eyes roar with laughter.  This rhyming picture book is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss. Illustrations are appropriate for the text.